The NHS performs far more than just basic health care there have been periods of time when NHS was part of the DHSS and linked to the provision of Social Services, Benefits and Pensions etc.
One must not confuse the principle of an NHS 'free at the point of access' with the actual execution and management of the NHS by successive Governments and the Civil Service. The NHS as a massive employer at 1.3m employees, generating considerable dependant economic activity. For example its payroll alone generates considerable purchasing power that is spent in the much wider economy. It's pension costs provide good pensions for its staff in retirement reducing the level of potential support thru addition pension benefits like pension credits over and above the basic state pension.......cant look at the NHS cost base in isolation without identifying its wider impact on our economy. For example how many Geriatric beds are tied up with long term stays because not enough retirement home beds or lack of home support infrastructure that increase NHS costs and reduces its efficiency.....the list goes on.
Last edited by JohnHarris; 14/01/22 09:03 AM.
